Chicago, August 2016.
Hannah sits on a bench and watches the people who pass her with a smile on her face.
Another sunny August has arrived, however, with the exception that the girl has been of age for over a year now. She can make most decisions on her own. She still attends appointments with a psychiatrist, although she does so of her volition now that her condition is improving. The results of the treatment can be seen, as she has shown initiative, intending to come out of it from the very beginning. This illness, however, will still be somewhere deep inside her. The important thing is that she is not giving up on treatment.
It's been more than two years since she left Horace Mann High School. That time flew by so fast that before she knew it, she was already holding her high school diploma in her hand. Although the paper did not show the best school in the United States, but a public institution located in Chicago. However, she managed to get into one of the better universities in New York thanks to her strength and enthusiasm for learning. Her dream has come true, and she doesn't intend to ruin it this time.
A lot has happened during this time.
The treatment is going better and better. Her condition is clearly improving. Therapies are being administered so well that this is beginning to partially release in her the memory of the day that she encoded somewhere deep in her mind after the traumatic event of her sister's death.
At night, in her dreams, she sees images that she doesn't remember or doesn't want to remember. They are partial excerpts that so far refuse to form a whole, as if her mind is strenuously trying to fight it.
One thing is certain. Hannah feels guilty about the death of her twin and hides somewhere deep in her memory the memories through which she feels remorse.
In these images, Jin manifests himself. A boy who thought he knew her well from the very beginning. He recognized her on the first day of school, called her Hannah because he was well aware of whom she really was. He did not confuse her with Danielle. Jin just started playing when he realized that she had lost her memories of the day that was a turning point for them.
Everything is a lie.
Hannah no longer has as good a rapport with him as before. Occasionally, they exchange messages or call each other to ask what's up. The girl feels uncomfortable because he hides a dark secret that binds them together. She is afraid that through their continued acquaintance she will eventually discover it, so since Jin has gone to college, the teenager tries to avoid him. He senses this. He suspects that something is going on, which is why he doesn't insist on meeting. The boy simply talks to her sometimes, claiming that since he started college, he doesn't have much time for himself.
He's lying.
How does Hannah know this? From Joseph. They go to the same university and share one room.
How come the dark prince is not studying in Chicago? He had no choice but to return to New York. On the same vacation when he arrived in Hannah, his father got mad. He ordered him to return to the city and go to the university he had chosen for him. At first, the boy rebelled, but when Mr. Scott threatened to cut him off from all resources, then he gave in.
Joseph is a person who has two left hands for physical labor. No one can imagine him in an ordinary job, apparently he thinks so himself, because during that vacation he obediently returned to New York.
His father has the right connections, so they admitted him belatedly to New York University without a problem. This is the place where Hannah will start her studies from September. The girl realizes that she will meet Jin again. She doesn't know how their relationship will continue, but she just won't think about the past and will do everything not to destroy their friendship.
As for Joseph… Hannah is on good terms with him. Although his behavior still hasn't changed and to people he is an asshole, the 19-year-old has to admit that it's not for her. He often teases her and has his moods that take her out of balance, yet she gets along well with him.
Nevertheless, the biggest surprise is that since he went to college, his appearance has changed. His hair is brown, his eyes are not highlighted with black crayon, making him look not so dark and scary anymore, well, and he has started to dress in colors.
To sum up he has grown more handsome at college and, as usual, has unearthly success with girls.